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State of Emergency extended

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Governor General Sir David Vunagi will open parliament today.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Government has decided to extend the state of public emergency (SOPE), making this the fourth consecutive SOPE.

The third state of emergency ended at 12pm last night.

Acting on advice from the Cabinet, Governor General Sir David Vunagi will issue a declaration today (March 25) which will last seven days, during which parliament will decide on how long this fourth SOPE will be, according to a government media statement yesterday.

“As Parliament is in session, the Declaration by the Governor-General will last for a period of seven days commencing from March 25 during which Parliament will decide on the period of extension, which is usually four months. Parliament will meet again on March 29, 2020 in which a resolution to extend the State of Public Emergency will be passed by Parliament.”

One main reason government uses to justify another SOPE is the public health emergency bill, which it says is still being ‘scrutinised carefully’.

Furthermore, the risks of covid-19 remain around the globe, the threat at our border with PNG still stands, and the covid vaccine is still to be administered to frontliners and border communities.

Another, a rather not much talked about factor, which could also justify another SOPE, is that the vaccine does not automatically give full protection until taken the second time, which is recommended after three months of the first jab.

Regarding the public health bill, government says: “The Government has completed the Public Health Emergency Bill and it is currently now before Parliament. The new Declaration will enable Parliament to carefully scrutinise the Bill and will also allow the Parliamentary process to take its course. Given the procedural requirements of Parliament, it is unlikely that the bill will be passed before the expiration of the current state of public emergency.

“Therefore, to allow Parliament to proceed with the necessary procedural requirements, Cabinet through the Prime Minister has recommended that the Governor General issue a proclamation declaring the existence of a state of public emergency.

“This latest declaration will ensure that all measures currently employed under the SOPE Regulations continue whilst Parliament deliberates on the Public Health Emergency Bill.”

A state of emergency is necessary, government says, to continue controlling movement of people both domestically and international, and imposing quarantine and covid-testing measures.

“The extension is also necessary to preserve public health, safety, order and security during the outbreak of covid-19.

“Covid-19 continues to affect countries and territories around the world. To date, more than 124 million people have contracted the covid-19 virus and more than 2.7 million people dead worldwide.

“This latest declaration will ensure that all measures currently employed under the SOPE Regulations continue whilst Parliament deliberates on the Public Health Emergency Bill.”

Government prior to yesterday’s announcement had kept the issue under wraps by being quiet about it. Hence not much hype compared to previous extension which was met with public skepticism.

Many believed that the real rationale was continued full power to the unpopular prime minister and his cohorts. Criticisms were also levelled at government for being slow in putting the public health bill together and passing it in parliament; many saw it as a ‘buying time’ tactic.

Public reaction to this third extension is yet to be seen.

However, if there is any credit to be given, under the states of emergency government has successfully kept covid-19 at bay behind the walls of quarantine after its attempt to keep Solomon Islands a covid-free country failed in late September last year.

Government has also moved to make Solomon Islands the second country in the Pacific to receive covid-19 vaccine, which it started its vaccination programme yesterday.

Economy-wise, government initiatives including the controversial Economic Stimulus Package are reportedly contributing to making a comeback for our economy.

The first SOPE was declared on March 26, 2020. The first extension on July 29, 2020. The second extension on November 24 last year.

Emergency zone jab roll-out in 2 weeks

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Dr Alex Munamua with the AstraZeneca vaccine that arrived last month/

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

VACCINATION deploymentto the emergency zone along the western border will take place within two weeks.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.  

“We anticipate rolling out the vaccination programme in the emergency zone within two weeks,” said Sogavare.

He said 17,000 doses of AstraZeneca are scheduled for deployment to the emergency zone along the western border.

He said vaccinating people from 18 years and above in the emergency zone is a key priority of government given the rapidly unfolding covid-19 situation in Bougainville

“The rollout of vaccination at the emergency zone and in Malaita Outer Islands will add greater confidence in our ability to prevent the entry of the virus through the western border.”

“I thank all the communities along the western border emergency zone for stepping up to help protect our country,” said Sogavare.

He adds by paying tribute to all vaccination teams in the country.

“Thank you for your dedication to keep our country safe. The Ministry of health aims to complete the 7,000 vaccinations in Honiara as soon as possible to ensure we can mobilise to the western border to commence the rollout there soon,” said Sogavare.

Premier Maka’a beats move to oust his gov’t

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

MAKIRA-ULAWA Premier Julian Maka’a Tuesday survived a no-confidence motion members of the non-executive bench tabled against him.

This was after mover Jackson Sunaone withdrew the motion after debate.

Mr Sunaone had accused the Maka’a Government, which came into power last year, of non-performance.

But he failed to get the numbers needed to oust Maka’a, a former Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) broadcaster.

Media stringer George Atkin told the Island Sun yesterday from provincial capital Kirakira that Sunaone was only able to secure the support of nine of the 20 members of the Provincial Assembly.

“After introducing the motion in the chamber and debating it, he decided in the end to withdraw it,” Atkin said.

“His decision was based on the fact that he only got the support of nine Assembly members,” he added.

Atkin said five members of the non-executive contributed to the debate.

Premier Maka’a and another member of his executive responded to the allegations raised, Atkin said.

“After a thorough and matured debate Sunaone decided to withdraw the motion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Central Province Premier Stanley Manetiva will defend his position in the Provincial Assembly when a no confidence motion is tabled against him today.

Non-executive member Polycarp Galaigu of Ward-8 will move the motion.

West border SI’s weakest link: PM

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Police patrol boats have been monitoring the border in the Western Province

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The western border is now labeled as the country’s weakest link in its protective chain, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Sogavare echoed this yesterday at the vaccination official launch and rollout. 

“Our western border is now the weakest link in our protective chain. However, our communities are getting better prepared to protect themselves. The rollout of vaccination at the emergency zone and in Malaita Outer Islands will add greater confidence in our ability to prevent the entry of the virus through the western border”.

“I thank all the communities along the western border emergency zone for stepping up to help protect our country,” he said.

Sogavare said the country’s surveillance capability has also stepped and picked up the reactivated case from one of the village communities.

“Our response to the reactivation was exemplary. We were able to deduce the risk-level and avoided a lock-down,” he said.

Sogavare said 17,000 doses of AstraZeneca are scheduled for deployment to the emergency zone along the western border.

“Vaccinating people from 18 years and above in the emergency zone is a key priority of government given the rapidly unfolding covid-19 situation in Bougainville,” he said.

WPG to control virement and financial reserve

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BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

The question of Virements and why Western Province’s Reserve Account has zero balance were raised during the budget meeting currently ongoing in Western Province.

Provincial Member for Dunde Nusa Roviana Ward, Ramrakha Talasasa questions as to why the Province’s Reserve Bank has no funds.

Provincial Member Samuel Sive also questioned as to why there are lots of virements or the transfer of money from one financial account to another.

Responding to the questions, Minister of Finance for Western Province, Christian Burly Mesepitu says the existing government will enhance its system to address virement applications.

In his response to the Western Province’s Reserve Bank, Mr Mespitu says his office is looking at reviving the system of depositing surplus funds to the Reserve Bank since it has been absent over the years.

40-yo arrested over bow & arrow attack

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Police in Auki have arrested a man in his 40s alleged of wounding another man with a machete and arrows.

As of yesterday, the victim is reportedly recovering but still in critical condition at the Kiluufi hospital.

The incident occurred at Parasi village, Tarapaina area, Small Malaita.

Malaita police commander Stanley Riolo said the incident is believed to be over disagreements between the accused and victim.

He said on Tuesday this week, the victim and another person were preparing cut-down logs for milling when they were attacked.

“The victim was operating a chainsaw when the accused approached, armed with a bush knife and bow & arrow, and struck at the victim from behind with the machete. The victim was wounded on his left shoulder. After, the accused went after the other person but he managed to escape.

“The suspect returned to the victim after chasing away the victim’s colleague, he shot an arrow into the wound (left ribs) of the victim and left him.”

Riolo said the victim’s partner ran and alerted men in the village who came to the victim’s assistance.

He said the victim was transported to Afio AHC for medical assistance while the matter was reported to Auki police.

Riolo said due to the seriousness of the wound, Doctor in-charge of Afio AHC referred the victim to Kilu’ufi hospital; he was transported to Auki on Tuesday evening.

Riolo said with team work from Parasi community, the villagers assisted in transporting the suspect to Su’u and handing him over to police yesterday.

Police arrests 15-yo for alleged rape on Malaita

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Police on Malaita arrested a 15-year-old male suspect for the alleged rape of a five-year-old girl at Ferafa’alu Village on March 21, 2021.

An initial report said the suspect sexually assaulted the victim in a kitchen at their village when she went to collect fire. The victim later experienced vomiting and pain to her private part. Her parents took her to the Malu’u Hospital and a medical practitioner confirmed penetration. 

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province Chief Superintendent Stanley Riolo said, “The victim’s parents reported the matter at the Malu’u Police Station and the investigation was carried out.

 “The suspect escaped after the incident but was later arrested by officers at Malu’u Police Station on Tuesday.

“The suspect will be transported to Auki Police Station for further dealings and a remand application.

“I call on relatives of the victim to refrain from any retaliation regarding the matter but allow police to investigate it. I also call on the good people of Ferafa’alu Village who may have any information about the incident to come forward and report it to police at the Malu’u Police Station.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Mayor holds back on Sore

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City Mayor Wilson Mamae

MAYOR of Honiara City Council, Wilson Mamae has delayed his move to remove Clerk Rence Sore over the weekend.

One councillor told Island Sun that the Mayor was asked by councillors to remove Sore because of his involvement in the controversial fire extinguishers and land sale at Ranadi to a logging company.

“Sore’s involvements in all these issues have paint the bad pictures to the Executive.

“As such citizens in the city are questioning their councillors why they continue to hang on with the leadership of the Mayor,” the councillor said.

The councillor, who wished not to be named, said the Mayor needs to come and explain his reasons for not sacking the Clerk.

“We want to know the reasons why the Mayor still holds on to the Clerk.

“Is it because he is afraid of sacking the clerk who might release some confidential information?” the councillor asked.

The Mayor is currently facing a motion of no confidence on Monday 29th March.

Earlier, the Mayor said he is confident to defeat the motion.

In the meantime, a city resident is calling on the Mayor to explain the $800,000 the Council supposed to receive from the Malaysian logging company for the transfer of its land at Ranadi.

The city resident, who wished not to be named, said from information, there is no money received by the Treasury division at the Council.

As such, the resident asked the Mayor to come out and explain the whereabouts of the $800,000.

Western Assembly to talk $26m today

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Provincial assembly meeting at Imagination Island, Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province’s Appropriation Ordinance – 2022 which is estimated to around $26,436,622 will go into Third Reading when Assembly meeting resumes today.

Members will spend time debating and discussing the estimate budget before going to vote.

In his speech during the second reading, Finance Minister of Western Province, Christian Burly Mesepitu said the 2021/2022 Financial Year budget has gone through all the required and respective participatory planning and budgetary committees and processes as per part-2 of the Financial Management Ordinance (FMO).

He adds that Ward Development Committee were also part of the planning and budgeting process.

Mesepitu said the formulation of the 2021/2022 budget estimates was tough given the strict the budget guidelines set by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.

But, he said, his team managed to put together the estimate budget and at the same time satisfied the required guidelines.

Mesepitu said Western Province will appropriate a budget of $26,436,622 of which the Recurrent Revenue estimates is $20,61,857 and Capital Revenue estimate is $5,817,765.

He adds that Local Revenue for 2021-2022 is estimated using FY 2019 – 2020 actuals as baseline with only 10 percent allowable variances rate to forecast revenue as per the Budget Guideline.

Mesepitu said there has been a reduction worth $2,137,358,00 in Fixed Service Grant due to change in the formula (30 percent basic allocation and 70 percent performance based) for FSG distribution and major cuts on national government supports towards provincial governments.

He said major focus of the province’s Recurrent Expenditure will be on productive Sector mainly Agriculture and Fisheries so as Ward Development Committee capacity development and maximise local revenue collection.

In his opening speech, Premier David Gina said national government’s decision on budget cut has boycotted his province’s development aspirations.

“Similarly to other provincial government, Western Province too is set to have its fixed service grant and provincial capacity development fund (PCDF) slashed this year.

“For your information advise received from the Ministry of Provincial Government during the budgetary planning period articulated the need to forego our remaining SBD2.3 Million for 2020/2021 Financial Year.

“This is certainly has an impact on our capital budget implementation for this financial year capital budget allocation in order to cater for the cost of projects that were supposed to be funded with the foregone funds.

“In terms of the indicative FSG for the 2021/22 FY we have been allocated only around SBD7.5 million. Last year 2020/2021 FY we were allocated about SBD9.6 million so there is a reduction of almost SBD2 million.

“This is a result of the SBD 270,865.00 reduction in the aggregated fixed service grant allocations to all the provinces. As a provincial government, this is a huge reduction which will have an impact on our service delivery mandates.”

Gina stressed that it is sad that budget allocation for provinces have been diminishing year by year, worst still the establishment of policies that penalise and recall funds allocated to provinces.

But, he said, his government is optimistic to make sure service deliveries continues so as development aspirations and operation of the province is fully functioned this year.

Gov’t accused of being a bully

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Hon Ramrakha Talasasa.

BY BEN BILUA

In Gizo

The Western province has hit out at the national government describing it as bullying provincial governments with its decisions and actions.

Provincial Member for Dunde Nusa Roviana Ward, Ramrakha Talasasa made the comment during Assembly meeting yesterday.

He said provincial governments suffer and fall short to achieve development goals due to national government’s policy and decisions.

Talasasa said the decision of the national government to slice the budget of Western Province which was passed as required by the Provincial Government Act is a breach in the eyes of the law.

He stressed that the national government failed to honour its promise and should be penalised as normally done to provincial governments.

“We have passed our budget as required by the Provincial Act but the government is unable to give the fund. They slice our allocations which is questionable.

“Furthermore, they have established numbers of requirements that provincial governments must satisfy before getting funds.

 “When provinces failed to perform, the national government penalised us. So it is reasonable to say that, when the national government failed to give us the complete fund as we requested on our budget, they should be penalised as well,” Talasasa said.

Premier of Western Province, David Gina shares similar sentiment saying that the provincial governments have now become more or less mere divisions of the Ministry of Provincial Government rather than a legitimate elected government as provided for in the Provincial Government Act 1997.

He said the system has become more and more centralised with the various leverages placed on provincial governments to perform or be penalized.

“I must admit that last year has been a very challenging year for us.

“We just passed our 2020-2021 budget in the Assembly when SIG announced the various budget control measures it will employ as a means to catering for its COVID-19 preparedness and response effort and also in anticipation of the likely negative economic impacts that will ensue.

“As a province and as a government we have also been severely affected,” Gina added.

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